FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Thorn Defends the Rose: Former FBI Agent William J. Warner Announces Debut Novel’ Koobler’s Rose’
Fort Wayne, Indiana – February 19, 2026 – A powerful new voice prepares to emerge from the heart of America’s heartland. William J. Warner, a retired FBI Special Agent, announces his compelling debut novel, Koobler’s Rose. This is not just another crime story. It is a raw and authentic journey into the lives of two young men shaped by poverty, loyalty, and the desperate hope for a better life.
Set in the turbulent late 1960s in northwest Indiana, Koobler’s Rose follows Dewey Koobler and Zack Koontz. They are teenagers from Crow Town, a worn-out trailer park community where trouble is a constant companion. Their story begins with small, misguided schemes and escalates into a dangerous world of real consequence. The novel masterfully captures their fraught friendship and the pivotal event that forces Dewey to choose between the path he knows and the man he could become.
At its core, Koobler’s Rose is a profound exploration of protection and human duality. The narrative is framed by an ancient Chinese proverb, “A thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom.” This theme challenges readers to examine who in their own lives acts as a thorn, and what they are defending. The story asks whether our past defines us, and if redemption is possible through love and sacrifice.
This novel will strongly resonate with adult readers who appreciate character-driven stories with deep moral complexity. It is perfect for fans of gritty coming-of-age dramas, authentic historical fiction, and crime stories that prioritize psychological realism over glamour. Readers who enjoy emotional depth and working-class authenticity will find a powerful new favorite in William J. Warner.
Warner’s writing style carries the unmistakable mark of his distinguished career. His prose is direct, visceral, and grounded in real-world experience. He writes with the precision of an investigator and the empathy of a novelist who has truly seen the landscapes of both crime and human resilience. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and every scene builds on a foundation of geographical and psychological truth.
Koobler’s Rose will be available for purchase soon. It will be released in paperback and e-book formats on Amazon, through all major online book retailers, and at select brick-and-mortar bookstores. Readers can anticipate its arrival and prepare to secure their copy of this highly anticipated debut.
For more information, review copies, or to schedule an interview with William J. Warner, please contact:
William J. Warner
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About William J. Warner
William J. Warner crafts fiction with the eye of a detective and the soul of a storyteller. For twenty-two years, he served as an FBI Special Agent investigating violent crimes in the very neighborhoods that color his debut novel. A master polygraph examiner and a U.S. Army veteran, Warner holds a law degree and a master’s in forensic psychophysiology. He translates a lifetime of uncovering hidden truths into gripping narratives about protection, choice, and the scars that shape us. He lives in northeast Indiana, where he turns hard-earned insight into unforgettable human drama.
